The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel Develops Essential Planning Resources for Individuals, Families and Professionals During COVID-19 Pandemic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington, DC, August 27, 2020 – Fellows of The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) are sharing their planning expertise via a new resource portal accessible to assist individuals, families, trust and estate lawyers, students and wealth management professionals. ACTEC attorneys developed this comprehensive menu of content to provide insight and advice on a broad range of issues affecting those impacted by COVID-19.

Resources specific to individuals and families identify essential legal documents that should be in place in preparation for emergencies, such as a durable power of attorney, an advance healthcare directive and include recommendations on protecting young adults and college bound students during a pandemic.

The portal also features guidance and suggestions for trust and estate attorneys and wealth management professionals concerning important distinctions in estate planning documents relevant during COVID-19. Fellows define planning strategies pertinent to the pandemic related to the gift tax annual exclusion, IRS Code 2503(e), low interest loans to family members, Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts, Charitable Lead Trusts and more. Additionally, in response to the health crisis, Fellows created a reference guide specifying states that allow remote notarization and witness orders on an emergency basis.

“Issues identified and addressed in this compilation of significant information and recommendations make it an enormously beneficial resource,” said ACTEC President Stephen R. Akers. “The level and measure of facts and analysis offered in the ACTEC Legislative and Regulatory Comments alone provides considerable relevant tax and financial recommendations from attorneys who offer comments to the IRS and the Department of Treasury.”

Resources available also include audio and video features addressing estate planning during a pandemic that are derived from ACTEC’s podcast series Trust and Estate Talk and the ACTEC Family and Estate Planning Guide, an educational video series offering direction on wills, estate planning and guardianship.

About the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC): Established in 1949, The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) is a national, nonprofit association of approximately 2,500 lawyers and law professors from throughout the United States and abroad. ACTEC members (Fellows) are peer-elected on the basis of professional reputation and expertise in the preparation of wills and trusts, estate planning, probate, trust administration and related practice areas. The College’s mission includes the improvement and reform of probate, trust and tax laws and procedures and professional practice standards. ACTEC frequently offers technical comments with regard to legislation and regulations but does not take positions on matters of policy or political objectives.

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